Possibly Gravid & shedding

[StaceyLeigh]

I have a question about shedding during pregnancy. I believe my female Norther-Calypso may be gravid. I just noticed she has started to shed this morning. I thought I had read on here that female skinks will shed right before giving birth, but Calypso wouldn't be due till around the end of March. So does this mean she is most likely not Gravid? Or do they shed at various times during pregnancy? In others ways she has been acting Gravid ( basking for huge amounts of time, middle getting gradually bigger, despite not eating very much).

[StaceyLeigh]

Oh, I forgot to ask- I would normally soak my skinks a little to help with shedding (especially in the dry Winter months) I am assuming this is still ok when they are gravid?

[StaceyLeigh]

Ok I have done more searching through past posts, and I think I answered my question about shedding and being gravid. This looks to be a variable thing, some shedding once or twice during pregnancy, some waiting till after birth? I still need to know if it is safe to soak them in a little water to help with shed?

[Jeff]

I have never found shedding and giving birth to be related for my northerns. As far as I can tell, it means nothing with mine. Soaking won't hurt the babies if that's what you mean, but I have never soaked mine, and they shed fine.

[StaceyLeigh]

Thanks Jeff!
I only soak if after 2-3 days there is shed left (especially tail & toes) and I find this to be true in the dry winter months.